Rufous-crested Tanager

Creurgops verticalis

This uncommon tanager is found in the subtropical zone of the Andes from Colombia to Peru. Medium gray above and rich buffy below with a stout hooked bill. The namesake rufous crest, only present on males, is usually visible only as a small crown patch. Compare with Black-eared Hemispingus, which has an obvious black mask. Occurs from around 1,400-2,700m. Singles or pairs forage in the canopy, often following mixed-species flocks.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Creurgops verticalis
Authority
Sclater, PL, 1858
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Creurgops

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Mute Swan

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

Huge white bird with long neck, reddish-orange bill, and black face. Adults have a black knob on top of the bill. Immatures are dusky brown with a gray bill. Native to northern Europe and Asia, but introduced in many regions, where it is now common on ponds, lakes, and calm coastal waters. Very aggressive toward native waterfowl. Often seen in pairs or small family groups.

Acadian Flycatcher

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

Small flycatcher with big peaked head and relatively long bill. Extremely similar to several other species, especially Alder and Willow Flycatchers. Greenish-olive above and pale whitish below. Note thin white eyering and very long wingtips. Best distinguished from other flycatchers by habitat and voice. Birds near the northern end of breeding range prefer shaded ravines with mix of hemlocks and deciduous trees; farther south, found in mature deciduous forests. Tends to stay high in the canopy. Song is an explosive “pwit-SIP!,” call note is a sharp “pweek!”

Yellow-knobbed Curassow

Yellow-knobbed Curassow

Crax daubentoni

A large, elegant black and white turkey-like bird with a prominent curly crest. Both sexes have a white belly and white tipped tail, but the male has a larger crest and yellow base to the bill with a large yellow knob; female is faintly barred white on the breast and has dark gray bill lacking the knob. No overlap with other curassow species. Found in dry forest, gallery forest, and humid forest; most often encountered walking in understory or crossing trails in small groups, but sometimes also seen perched higher in trees. Vocally active in breeding season; song is a surprisingly high-pitched, long, descending whistle “WHEEEeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuu,” reminiscent of a raptor.

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